An inspirational breast cancer survivor has completed her 17th MoonWalk marathon to raise money for sufferers of the condition.

“I’ve already signed up for 2024”, said Jeanette Watts, from Bicester, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice in her lifetime.

MoonWalk London celebrated its 25th anniversary on the streets of London on Saturday, May 20, where around six thousand women and men wearing brightly decorated bras set off on their 15.1 or 26.2-mile walking challenges.

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Mrs Watts said: “I had so much fun creating my outfit for this year’s walk, I fixed the number ‘25’ to my headdress and to my decorated bra, to commemorate the walk’s 25th anniversary.

“I’ve had breast cancer twice myself, firstly almost 30 years ago when I was only 34 years old and then again at the end of 2020.

“There was no history of breast cancer in my family, so it was a big shock both times. After my second diagnosis, I had a mastectomy and reconstruction, but I’ve recovered well and am in good health.

“I’m delighted that I managed to complete yet another overnight 26.2-mile walking marathon, last weekend.

“My message to everyone, both men and women, is to continue checking your boobs.

“So many people I know have also been affected by breast cancer, including a good friend of mine, and my mother-in-law, who died from the disease.

“MoonWalk organisers, the breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, do incredible work to help support people with cancer and I know that when I take part in the walk, I’m raising money for such an amazing cause.

“I also keep on signing up every year, because I just love walking a marathon through the streets of London at night.

“The hundreds of volunteers cheering us on is so inspiring.”

The event has already raised £2 million this year alone, and over £139 million in the last 25 years.

Walk the Walk grants funds to help improve the lives of those with cancer.

The charity specialises in promoting the benefits of walking as an important part of cancer prevention, as well as for overall mental health and physical wellbeing.

As well as providing training plans for future MoonWalk walkers, the charity also provides breast health advice.

Its website lists eight common breast cancer signs to c heck for, which includes an unusual change in the shape or size of one of the breasts, changes in skin colour or a rash around the nipple and a lump or thickening within the breast or armpit.

The MoonWalk London 2024 will be on Saturday, May 18, with entries now open at www.walkthewalk.org.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1